Slender Dutchman’s pipe root (QING MU XIANG)-Aristolochia debilis

Slender Dutchman’s pipe root (QING MU XIANG)

Aristolochia debilis Sieb. Et Zucc. (Fam. Aristolochiaceae)

Pharmaceutical Name:

Radix Aristolochiae

Botanical Name:

Aristolochia debilis Sieb. Et Zucc. (Fam. Aristolochiaceae)

Common Name:

Slender Dutchman’s pipe root

Part Used:

Dried lianoid stem and/or root

Radix Aristolochiae is produced chiefly in the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui. The herb is collected in October and November. After the hairy rootlets are removed, the stem or root is dried in sunlight, sliced, and used unprepared.

Properties  Taste & Meridians:

Pungent and bitter in flavor, slightly cold in property, acts on the Liver and Stomach channels.

Functions:

Promotes the flow of Qi, relieves pain, reduces swelling.

Indications & Combinations:

1. For distension and pain in the chest and hypochondriac region or abdomen due to Stagnation of Liver and Stomach Qi, it is used with Rhizoma Cyperi (Xiang Fu) and Fructus Meliae Radicis (Chuan Lian Zi).

2. For carbuncles, boils, and snake and insect bites, it is used with Radix Angelicae Dahuricae (Bai Zhi) for an oral dose or for topical application.

3. Hypotensive.

Dosage and administration:

3–10 g, decocted in water for an oral dose. 1.5–2 g, if used as powder for an oral dose. Appropriate quantity for external application.

Precautions:

Large dosages may result in vomiting and anorexia.

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